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Minister of National Education Nabi Avcı stressed that the Middle East Technical University is an elite scientific institution adding that, “METU is certainly a brand but not a brand of violence. Scientific research and cultural activities are the main issues that made METU a brand.”

30.12.2015 14:24

Minister of National Education Nabi Avcı answered the questions of journalists during his appearance at the 2nd EBA Frame Photography Contest entitled, “The city that I live in”.

Answering a question of a journalist, Minister Avcı iterated that teachers will not give homework to children during the semester holiday and went on to say:

“We have sent an official letter to schools stating that teachers should not give homework that would prevent children to play, visit museums and spend time with friends during the semester holiday. Children should read the books they want to read, see the movies, play as they wish and visit family members.”

Minister Avcı said, “Obligations decrease the joy of children. It is wrong to believe that we could teach our children with heavy loads of homework during holidays especially during the semester holiday. Let them relax a little, let them rest and spend time with their friends. Let them read the books they like. Teachers can make book suggestions, too.”

"METU is an elite scientific institution"

Concerning the recent incidents at METU, Minister Avcı said, “The Middle East Technical University is an elite scientific institution. METU is certainly a brand but not a brand of violence. Scientific research and cultural activities are the main issues that made METU a brand.”

Minister Avcı stated that the state is aware that some circles are trying to identify METU with violence and added, “It was the same in the past, too. The people that instigated violence were the ones that came to METU from other universities and performed violent acts. The essence of METU is academic success. Recent attacks had nothing to do with traditional values and academic tradition of METU. We have been witnessing similar attacks not only in METU but at the Hacettepe or Ankara Universities.”

Addressing those who are involved in such violent incidents and who attempted to provoke terror in universities, Minister Avcı said, “Read a little. There is a sentence in the introduction of Karl Marx´s book entitled “18 Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte” in order to define Hegel. It goes like this, ‘Some things happen twice in history. First as the tragedy and second as the comedy’. Turkey experienced this tragedy in the past. Due to this reason, I recommend students, who attempted to provoke violence, prevent freedom of education and spread their own limited ideological beliefs to the whole of the university to consider Marx’s words.”

Snowfall in İstanbul

When a journalist pointed to the snowfall in İstanbul and asked if the Ministry considers giving a day off due to snow at schools, Minister Avcı said that the Governor’s Office has the authority to take such decisions.

“The Office of the Governor will take the necessary measures due to natural problems or security issues. İstanbul is a very big city. Snow fall may prevent children from going to school in some parts. In such a case, the Office of the Governor will evaluate the issue and take a decision,” Minister Avcı stated.

Additional salary for teachers working in Eastern and Southeastern regions

Answering questions about rumors that the Ministry will give additional salary for teachers working in the Eastern and Southeastern regions, Minister Avcı said, “This is not limited with these regions. The circulation in some schools in İstanbul is higher than others. Teachers do not work long in some schools. We are planning to take measures that will promote teachers to work permanently or longer in such regions. However, this is a problem that cannot be solved during this school year.”

Concerning a question about boycotts in some schools, Minister Avcı responded: “I do not want to believe that a public servant, especially a teacher would hang a banner saying there is a strike in this workplace while the terrorist organization continues to attack schools. These banners were not put up by teachers. We made our warning. We will initiate investigations into such attempts.”